Looking to upgrade my F30 320i (2012) Turbo charger

[Alex0607]

Hi All,

Just got myself a well maintained low mileage F30 320i. But after a couple of weeks of using the car, I started having the cold start white smoke. Car still runs fine so I am guessing its the oil feed line that is the culprit. So I was thinking of doing the following.

1. Buying the updated oil feed line with check valve and replace that first to see if it will solve the smoke at start up.

As i understand it, in order to change the oil feed line, I basically have to have the turbo unit removed. Hence I was also thinking of

2. Buying an OEM turbo with upgraded spec and a bit more boost from ECS tuning and install that with the new oil feed line.

3. Buying an aftermarket performance turbo and install that with the new oil feed line.

Since my car is a 320i, I am wondering if the performance turbo charger will work with the engine seeing its the same N20 2.0L. And is the only way to change the feed line is to remove the turbocharger? Cos if I have to remove then might as well do the upgrade.

What's your thought. I have done some research but will do some more before I pull the trigger or my turbo issue becomes worse. Thanks.

[White94RX]

I don't know anything about the aftermarket turbos. But I just wanted to confirm to you that the turbo does have to be taken off to replace the oil feed line. Technically it doesn't have to be removed completely, but definitely unbolted from the engine and moved over to access the oil line. It's not a fun job.

[Alex0607]

Thanks White94RX. I think I won't be doing the turbo upgrade. After sorting out my ABS sensor replacement, the car seems to run better and no more white smoke. Fingers crossed. I am however planning to go for the BootMod3 tune instead to gain maybe 40BHP. In fact, ECS tuning does sell the MHI Big Turbo unit which according to them fit my car. Maybe further down the line.